Title: Nagano Travel Guide: Best of Nagano, Nagano Prefecture Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk

[Hotels in Nagano](https://expedia.co.uk/Nagano-Hotels.d6127975.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Nagano](https://expedia.co.uk/Nagano-Holiday-Rentals.d6127975.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Nagano](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Nagano.d6127975.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Nagano Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Nagano.d6127975.Car-Hire-Guide)[Nagano Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Nagano.d6127975.Holidays-City-Breaks)

# Nagano Travel Guide

## Tourist Guide

![Nagano](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127975/b9258e57-f92c-4f51-85b5-cbcb96cfcade.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Nagano](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127975/e2efb072-3fc7-4ea3-ae5f-89bc5810efdc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Nagano](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127975/e1063104-aa92-4c6a-b8cf-a4f004f758b9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Nagano](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127975/689c19b5-a4f6-4b3b-9c1c-e964ac20d37d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Nagano](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127975/b109e4e8-31a3-4984-b97b-96324a249ff7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Nagano

Where to stay

Things to do

#### Enjoy vegetarian food and go skiing in this scenic mountain region, explore the ancient wooden Zenkoji Temple and historic castle, and hear legends of ninja warriors.

Nagano, on Japan’s main island Honshu, is the capital city of the prefecture of the same name. The city is most famous as being the home of the Zenkoji Temple, a national treasure. Visit this important site of pilgrimage, but also be sure to make the most of the region’s other attractions. At the nearby mountains, go skiing or see macaque monkeys bathe in hot springs. Learn about the culture of the samurai warriors and view 300-year-old chestnut and beech trees in Oku Susobana Natural Park.

Visit the grand complex of the Zenkoji Temple to see one of the largest wooden temples in Japan. The main temple dates back to the seventh century and is said to house a very early Buddha statue.

Take the train to the castle town in the suburb of Matsushiro to see the legacy of a 17th-century warlord. Discover the samurai way of life at the Sanada and Yokota Residences and the Sanada Treasure Museum. Explore a bunker which hid the Emperor and government during World War II.

At the Togakure Ninpo Museum, try your hand at shuriken throwing like a ninja. Navigate mazes and secret doors and learn about Nishina Daisuke, a samurai who created his own style of ninjutsu.

Head to the nearby Joshinetsu Kogen National park and marvel at the snow monkeys in the hot springs of the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park in Yamanouchi. At the onsen (traditional Japanese resorts) in the area you can enjoy the thermal pools for yourself. In winter, choose from over 20 ski resorts to carve up the snow on the nearby Shiga plateau.

Nagano is about a 2-hour train journey from Tokyo. Its central transport hub provides good connections to the major attractions in and around the city. Hire a car to explore the countryside. Join mushroom and fruit-picking expeditions or visit a local miso manufacturer. Nagano has a long history of catering for Zenkoji Temple’s Buddhist monks, so vegetarians will want to linger in this scenic area.

### Where to stay in Nagano

![Minaminagano](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127975/90bddb25-afbc-4122-8a55-f4439ea8a7b5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Minaminagano

 While visiting Minaminagano, you might make a stop by sights like Gondo Shopping Street and Kitano Cultural Center. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Nagano-Minaminagano.dx919172909415718912)

![Nagano City, Japan Cityscape Panorama from Asahi Mountain](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3000750483/96226e41-6247-4409-91f5-bc40c1f810e4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Kurita

 The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Kurita. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Mizuno Museum and Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum are a few top places to visit. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Nagano-Kurita.dx3000750483)

![Togakushi](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127975/6184f55c-36c7-4849-982d-6667fc5953d5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Togakushi

 You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Togakushi. You might want to make time for a stop at Chibikko Ninja Village or Togakushi Ski Area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Nagano-Togakushi.dx553248635493160073)

![Matsumoto Castle Exterior, Nagano, Japan](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/919172032690843648/b60d2567-856a-456b-b7b3-432f632cac78.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Minamichitose

 When in Minamichitose, you can plan a visit to Gondo Shopping Street and Japanese Traditional Paper Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Nagano-Minamichitose.dx919172032690843648)

![Minamichitosemachi Tsuruga](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6127975/90bddb25-afbc-4122-8a55-f4439ea8a7b5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Minamichitosemachi Tsuruga

 Though Minamichitosemachi Tsuruga may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gondo Shopping Street and Japanese Traditional Paper Museum. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Nagano-Minamichitosemachi-Tsuruga.dx919172224873852928)

![Matsushiro](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635997188091/2bbb0589-4ff9-416c-bac7-0958e14b7b2b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

### Matsushiro

 While visiting Matsushiro, you might make a stop by sights like Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters and Matsushiro Castle. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Matsushiro.dx553248635997188091)

- Top hotels in Nagano
- Top Holiday Rentals in Nagano

![Hotel New Nagano NeXT](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9623300/9623297/47cdb4d7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hotel New Nagano NeXT

Minami Chitose-cho 828 Nagano 

£70

5 Apr - 6 Apr

Stay at this hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Gondo Shopping Street and Kitano Cultural Center ...

8.4/10 Very Good! (94 reviews)

Amenity choices are wide. The frontdesk staff is super polite and efficient. The location and parking area is closed to main train station which is very convenient. The parking fee is ¥800 which is even lower than some smaller city. Good deal!

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=05%2F04%2F2026&endDate=06%2F04%2F2026&selected=9623297&PinnedHotelID=9623297&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6127975)

![Hotel JAL City Nagano](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1230000/1228500/1228446/0739d8da_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hotel JAL City Nagano

1221, Toigosho-machi Nagano Nagano-ken

£58

26 Apr - 27 Apr

Stay at this hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Kitano Cultural Center and Gondo Shopping ...

8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)

Room was very small and the bed was placed at the corner that one side doesn’t have bedside table or any space, it was hard to get out of the bed. The breakfast was great and at the higher floor with a view. Wished it was open for dinner or drinks as well.

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=26%2F04%2F2026&endDate=27%2F04%2F2026&selected=1228446&PinnedHotelID=1228446&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6127975)

![Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3900000/3892600/3892570/65cb93db_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa

1372-1 Nishiterao Matsushiro Nagano Nagano-ken

£52

7 Apr - 8 Apr

Stay at this spa hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Matsushiro Castle and Masuo Ikeda Museum are located ...

8/10 Very Good! (700 reviews)

Absolutely terrible I highly recommend not staying. Everything broken and old, destroyed furniture and walls, mold growing out of the vents, terrible water pressure, beds with broken springs, over crowded, no nearby restaurant options, terrible quality, extremely overpriced.

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=07%2F04%2F2026&endDate=08%2F04%2F2026&selected=3892570&PinnedHotelID=3892570&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6127975)

[See all 954 properties in Nagano](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=31%2F03%2F2026&endDate=01%2F04%2F2026&regionId=6127975)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

![HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA by Onko Chishin](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/105000000/104300000/104294700/104294662/c28126c3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA by Onko Chishin

3020-1116 Shinden, Hokujo Hakuba Nagano

Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Hakuba. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hakuba Happo-One Ski Area and Hakuba ...

10/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)

The rooms are specious and very nice, good breakfast and service

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hakuba-Hotels-HOTEL-LA-VIGNE-HAKUBA-By-Onko-Chishin.h104294662.Hotel-Information)

![Casa Kokoro Hakuba](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/125000000/125000000/124999000/124998954/aa359555_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Casa Kokoro Hakuba

27721-296 Hakubamura Hakuba Nagano

Stay at this aparthotel in Hakuba. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Hakuba Happo-One Ski Area and Hakuba Goryu Ski ...

10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)

Rika and Andy work well together we had a very good stay

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hakuba-Hotels-Casa-Kokoro-Hakuba.h124998954.Hotel-Information)

![Zen Chalets Hakuba](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/18000000/17490000/17484900/17484871/4bf3e3b1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Zen Chalets Hakuba

4305-1 Hokujo Hakuba Nagano

Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Hakuba. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a free local area shuttle. Popular attractions Hakuba Happo-One Ski Area ...

9.4/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)

Great staff, tidy accomadation,comfy beds and great location

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Nagano-Hotels-ZEN-CHALETS-HAKUBA.h17484871.Hotel-Information)

[See all properties in Nagano](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&regionId=6127975&sort=VACATION_RENTAL)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

## Check Nagano hotel availability

[Tonight

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6127975&startDate=2026-03-30&endDate=2026-03-31)[30 Mar - 31 Mar](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6127975&startDate=2026-03-30&endDate=2026-03-31)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6127975&startDate=2026-03-31&endDate=2026-04-01)[31 Mar - 1 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6127975&startDate=2026-03-31&endDate=2026-04-01)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6127975&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)[3 Apr - 5 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6127975&startDate=03%2F04%2F2026&endDate=05%2F04%2F2026)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6127975&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026)[10 Apr - 12 Apr](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6127975&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026)

### Popular places to visit

![Zenko-ji Temple](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6103756/3239f74d-336a-4070-9bfa-eeb8872897ea.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Zenko-ji Temple

4.5/5(7 reviews)

After visiting Zenko-ji Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Nagano. Visit the temples and shops in this walkable area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Zenko-Ji-Temple-Nagano.d6103756.Attraction)

![Nagano_TogakushiShrine_6221874-2547](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6221874/e38bb9c1-2a04-48e1-a509-e1bdb910fcf3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Togakushi Shrine

4/5(1 review)

Togakushi Shrine is just one of the places to see in Nagano, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Togakushi-Shrine-Togakushi.d6221874.Attraction)

![Nagano Olympic Stadium](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6103746/6b471f46-7f8a-4cb2-a8f2-e74ab1be2643.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Nagano Olympic Stadium

Catch an event at Nagano Olympic Stadium during your trip to Nagano. Visit the temples in this walkable area or simply enjoy its restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Nagano-Olympic-Stadium-Nagano.d6103746.Attraction)

![M-Wave Olympic Memorial Arena](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621562275126/0fa6f09d-97c1-4460-b4ad-994715c6faf0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### M-Wave Olympic Memorial Arena

Catch an event at M-Wave Olympic Memorial Arena during your trip to Nagano. While in this culturally rich area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/M-Wave-Olympic-Memorial-Arena-Nagano.d553248621562275126.Attraction)

![BGC75H Togakushi Farm, Nagano, Japan](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621583492208/1ed3bd4d-e0bf-4c9a-a291-47f7b1da03a1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Togakushi Farm

You can take time to visit Togakushi Farm during your travels to Nagano. Visit the temples in this walkable area or simply enjoy its restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Togakushi-Farm-Nagano.d553248621583492208.Attraction)

![Nagano_AquaWingArena_553248621532775489-3072](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532775489/9daf3b76-3e5c-4a75-8ff0-fa3ca94f12ac.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Aqua Wing Arena

Catch an event at Aqua Wing Arena during your trip to Nagano. While in this culturally rich area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Aqua-Wing-Arena-Nagano.d553248621532775489.Attraction)

### Things to do

![Shiga Kogen, the highest ski resort](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1039646/09d894e4-adf7-4f2c-a460-1393515c6ff7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour

£132

per adult

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/1-day-snow-monkeys-snow-fun-in-shiga-kogen-tour.a1039646.activity-details)

![Amazing Scavenger Hunt: East Meets West in Nagano!](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2572393/bce6d672-f476-4e03-9024-69f53fc1e282.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Amazing Scavenger Hunt: East Meets West in Nagano!

£9

per adult

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/amazing-scavenger-hunt-east-meets-west-in-nagano.a2572393.activity-details)

![Strolling through the towering cedar avenue of Togakushi.](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/2722615/da2fe7f8-67bd-4de2-a13a-0278cbc455a0.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Togakushi: A Serene Walk Through Sacred Forests & Soba Traditions

£104

per adult

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/togakushi-a-serene-walk-through-sacred-forests-soba-traditions.a2722615.activity-details)

![Snow Monkeys, Hokusai & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49836054/7e29e4ff-e1b7-4898-a3b7-c77b0a2c7a49.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Snow Monkeys, Hokusai & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano

£117

per adult

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/snow-monkeys.a49836054.activity-details)

![©Jigokudani Yaen-KoenToshio HAGIWARA [Photo for illustrative purposes only]](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47061519/4b48a630-a5fd-4908-9b46-8c52a8c8da63.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Snow Monkey Park & Miso Production Day Tour from Nagano

£136

per adult

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/snow-monkey-park-miso-production-day-tour-from-nagano.a47061519.activity-details)

![Nagano Full Day Private Tour: Zenkoji Temple, by Car](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47984269/b3cf2d80-fa6c-4edc-91ef-d96a64db4914.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Nagano Full Day Private Tour: Zenkoji Temple, by Car

£61

per traveller

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/nagano-full-day-private-tour-zenkoji-temple.a47984269.activity-details)

[See all activities in Nagano](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Nagano.d6127975.Travel-Guide-Activities)

## Cities near Nagano

![Hakuba town nestled between the snow covered mountain ranges.  Viewing from the range that includes many ski resorts, including Happo-One and Goryu.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/602177/30abccbb-2c06-438d-b341-1edd906bb5c2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Hakuba

![summer natural scenery seen from riverside road; mountain range and chikuma river in nagano prefecture, japan](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6053589/9a93d8de-6830-4c61-924c-098a17825a81.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Chikuma

![Iizuna](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6347579/bff5f751-967d-4b49-a229-acc2090e306c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

[Photo](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) by [Qurren](//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Qurren) ([Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0))

### Iizuna

![Obuse](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6347608/fcecf0c2-1965-4618-90c8-116c817a21f6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Obuse

### Other places like Nagano

- Cities near Nagano
- Places of interest

[Hakuba](https://expedia.co.uk/Hakuba.dx602177)[Chikuma](https://expedia.co.uk/Chikuma.dx6053589)[Iizuna](https://expedia.co.uk/Iizuna.dx6347579)[Obuse](https://expedia.co.uk/Obuse.dx6347608)

- [M-Wave Olympic Memorial Arena ](https://expedia.co.uk/M-Wave-Olympic-Memorial-Arena-Nagano.d553248621562275126.Attraction)
- [Chibikko Ninja Village ](https://expedia.co.uk/Chibikko-Ninja-Village-Togakushi.d553248621532775464.Attraction)
- [Aqua Wing Arena ](https://expedia.co.uk/Aqua-Wing-Arena-Nagano.d553248621532775489.Attraction)
- [Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters ](https://expedia.co.uk/Matsushiro-Underground-Imperial-Headquarters-Matsushiro.d553248621532773769.Attraction)
- [Nio-mon Gate ](https://expedia.co.uk/Nio-Mon-Gate-Nagano.d553248621526921240.Attraction)

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